Michigan Builder’s License: How to Get Licensed in 2025

If you’re planning to work in construction or residential remodeling in Michigan, here’s what you need to know: the state has pretty strict licensing requirements, and most contractors need to be licensed to work legally.

The threshold is straightforward — if you’re doing residential construction or repair work valued at $600 or more, you’ll need either a Michigan residential builder’s license or a maintenance and alteration (M&A) contractor license. Both are issued by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through the Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC).

And like all industries, getting licensed isn’t just about following the law. It shows your clients you’re trained, insured, and serious about meeting Michigan’s construction standards — which can make all the difference when you’re building your reputation in the industry.

In this guide, you’ll learn:

• Who needs a Michigan builder’s license
• How to complete the 60-hour course and PSI exam
• How to apply, verify, or renew your license through LARA
• The difference between builder and M&A contractor licenses
• What licensed builders in Michigan can do to stay compliant

If you’re setting up your contracting business, start with How to Start a Construction Company.

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Who Needs a Builder’s License in Michigan?

Like we mentioned above, Michigan’s Occupational Code clearly states that any individual or company performing construction, repair, or improvement work exceeding $600 must have a valid builder or contractor license.

The Michigan residential builders license applies to those managing entire residential projects, while the maintenance & alteration contractor license suits specialists performing specific trades.

Residential Builder License

• Allows you to oversee and contract full home builds or renovations.
• Lets you hire subcontractors and manage multiple trades under one project.
• Examples: constructing garages, decks, additions, or complete remodels.

Maintenance & Alteration Contractor License

• For specialists who perform one or two specific trades, like roofing, siding, insulation, or painting.
• Perfect for smaller contractors focusing on specialty work rather than full builds.

Performing unlicensed work can lead to fines, revoked permits, and even criminal penalties. More importantly, it limits your ability to collect payment or advertise services legally.

LARA and the Bureau of Construction Codes

All licensing for builders and contractors in Michigan is handled by the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA) through its Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC).

The BCC manages:

• Licensing and renewal of builders and contractors.
• Approval of Michigan builders license course providers.
• Oversight of exam testing through PSI.
• Maintenance of the state of Michigan builders license lookup and verification tools.

All applications and renewals are processed online via LARA’s MiPLUS portal, where you can also complete a Michigan builders license search to confirm active builders or check your own status.

Michigan Builders License Requirements

Before applying, ensure you meet all of LARA’s requirements for builders and contractors.

1. Basic Eligibility

• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have a valid SSN or EIN.
• Be financially responsible and free from disqualifying criminal convictions.

2. Complete the 60-Hour Michigan Builders License Course

To qualify, you must complete an approved 60-hour Michigan builders license course.

This mandatory pre-licensure program covers:

• Michigan Residential Building Code
• Construction safety and OSHA standards
• Building materials, sitework, and design
• Business management and accounting
• Contracts, liens, and risk management
• Estimating and cost control

You can take this course online or in-person through a LARA-approved provider.
After completion, you’ll receive a certificate required for your license application.

Pro Tip: Verify your course provider on LARA’s official BCC course list before enrolling.

3. Submit Your Application

All applications are submitted electronically through LARA’s MiPLUS system.

You’ll need:

• Proof of completing the 60-hour course
• Proof of general liability and workers’ compensation insurance
• Valid photo ID or business registration
• $195 application fee

Once LARA reviews and approves your documents, you’ll receive authorization to schedule your exam.

4. Pass the PSI Builder’s License Exam

The Michigan builders license exam is administered by PSI Services LLC and tests both construction and business knowledge.

Exam Format:

• Two sections: Business & Law and Trades/Construction
• 50 multiple-choice questions per section
• Passing score: 70%
• Time: 2 hours per section
• Fee: ~$93 (paid directly to PSI)

Exam locations are available in Detroit, Lansing, Southfield, and Grand Rapids, as well as through PSI’s remote online proctoring system.

5. Obtain Insurance and Register Your Business

Before your license is issued, you must provide proof of:

• General Liability Insurance – minimum $100,000 property damage and $300,000 bodily injury coverage.
• Workers’ Compensation Insurance – if you employ others.

If you’re forming an LLC or corporation, register through LARA’s Corporations Division and apply for an EIN from the IRS.

Learn about proper coverage in Insurance for Concrete Contractors.

Michigan Residential Builders License vs. M&A Contractor

Although both are issued through LARA, these licenses serve different purposes:

For most general contractors or project managers, the Michigan residential builders license is the correct classification.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Builder licenses must be renewed every three years by May 31.

Renewal Steps:

1. Log in to MiPLUS.
2. Pay the $150 renewal fee.
3. Complete continuing education (CE) hours:
   • 21 hours for first-time renewal
   • 3 hours for later renewals

Courses must be completed with a LARA-approved provider. You’ll learn about updated building codes, safety standards, and business laws.

Simplify CE tracking and project quotes with Invoice Fly’s Estimates App.

Michigan Builders License Verification and Search

If you need to check your status or verify another contractor’s credentials, use LARA’s Michigan builders license search tool.

You can perform a state of Michigan builders license lookup to find:

• Active or expired license details
• License numbers and expiration dates
• License classifications (Builder or M&A)
• Disciplinary history

Visit LARA’s official lookup tool and enter the builder’s name, company, or license number.

This process (known as Michigan builders license verification) helps clients confirm that they’re hiring licensed builders in Michigan and protects legitimate contractors from unlicensed competition.

Licensed Builders in Michigan: Why It Matters

Being part of the community of licensed builders in Michigan offers several advantages:

• You can legally advertise and contract for residential construction projects.
• You gain access to supplier credit and subcontractor networks.
• You protect yourself from legal liability and client disputes.
• You build trust — verified builders appear in public LARA databases.

Every homeowner or developer looking to hire should conduct a Michigan builders license search to confirm credentials before signing a contract.

Common Mistakes During Application or Renewal

Even qualified contractors face delays or rejections due to:

• Incomplete or inaccurate forms on MiPLUS.
• Missing 60-hour course certificate.
• Expired insurance coverage.
• Not passing both sections of the PSI exam.
• Failing to renew before May 31.

Pro Tip: Set reminders in your calendar or use Invoice Fly’s Invoicing Software to track license renewals and document deadlines.

Estimated Timeline and Fees

Total time from start to license: ~8–12 weeks (depending on course and exam scheduling).

Support and Contact Information

📍 LARA Bureau of Construction Codes (BCC)
P.O. Box 30255, Lansing, MI 48909
📞 (517) 241-9316
🌐 www.michigan.gov/lara/bureau-list/bcc

(Accurate as of October, 2025) For continuing education or course approval: BCC Licensing Section.

You’re Ready to Build: Now Make It Official

Getting your Michigan builder’s license is a vital step toward growing a credible, compliant business. Completing the Michigan builders license course, passing the PSI exam, maintaining insurance, and renewing through LARA all demonstrate your professionalism.

Once you’re licensed, you join the thousands of licensed builders in Michigan who’ve earned the right to work on bigger projects, charge what they’re worth, and build a business that lasts.

Send invoices and get paid faster with the Free Invoice Generator — built for licensed Michigan contractors who want to simplify their workflow and stay compliant.

Get Started with Invoice Fly’s Software

Invoice Fly is a smart, fast, and easy-to-use invoicing software designed for freelancers, contractors, and small business owners. Create and send invoices, track payments, and manage your business — all in one place.

Get Started Now